| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Loon Mountain - North Peak, Black Mountain (Lincoln), NH |
|
 | Trails: |
Ski trails, herd path, bushwhack |
|
 | Date of Hike: |
Monday, April 17, 2023 |
|
 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Lots of space in the Loon Mtn Ski Resort now that they are closed for the season |
|
 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Snow - Trace/Minimal Depth, Ice - Blue, Snow/Ice - Frozen Granular, Snow - Spring Snow, Slush |
|
 | Recommended Equipment: |
Snowshoes |
|
 | Water Crossing Notes: |
Water is high but bridged on Loon Mtn, crossed a branch of Boyle Brook on the bushwhack with no issues |
|
 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
n/a |
|
 | Dog-Related Notes: |
none |
|
 | Bugs: |
none |
|
 | Lost and Found: |
lots of Bud Light & Michelob Ultra cans on the ski trails |
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|
 | Comments: |
Brookway, Lower Flume, Upper Flume, herd path/bushwhack
With the resort closing Sunday, figured I'd take a whack at the North Peak and Black Mtn before snow completely melts and turns muddy.
Ski paths were fairly solid snowpack with some ice. Switched into snowshoes at the Camp III Lodge and kept them on until descending Black, mostly for traction.
Snow was spotty on the herd path out to North Loon summit. Decent snowpack initially along the herd path toward Scar Ridge which remained until the col with Black, basically until I hit a flat or south-facing slope.
Came across a disgusting amount of fire pits, burned and scorched moss-covered rocks, logs of all sizes had been lit ablaze, even a living birch tree had a 1.5ft burn scar going up it. A few beer cans scattered about the area, but all in all about 12 recent fires in a very small area, atop conifer boughs and up the sides of rocks. Really atrocious and heart breaking to come upon such senseless and careless destruction.
Black Mtn was a bit of blowdown, especially at the summit, with minimal snow patches. Departing the high point, I followed my tracks briefly, then veered SW and finally W as the forest opened up, eventually giving way to nice beech & hardwood. Followed what I thought to be a backcountry ski trail along the west-facing ridge back to Boyle Brook, onto mountain biking trails briefly before a 0.6-mile trek back down Brookway to my car.
Nice day, glad the rain held off for this hike. Conditions were slightly better than I had expected, good to be back on some solid ground!
Attached below is a link to a more in-depth write up of the trek - Enjoy!
Happy Climbing!
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|
 | Name: |
Erik Hamilton |
|
 | E-Mail: |
ehamilton9481@gmail.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2023-04-17 |
|
 | Link: |
 https://www.atalkinthewoods.com/trail-reports/loon-black-mountains |
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Disclaimer: Reports are not verified - conditions may vary. Use at own risk. Always be prepared when hiking. Observe all signs. Trail conditions reports are not substitutes for weather reports or common sense. |
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